KL Rahul hits back at England's plans to test Virat Kohli with short balls
Cuttack: Indian opener KL Rahul has lavished praise on Virat Kohli and his leadership qualities, saying the newly appointed limited-overs skipper always leads by example and the whole team loves to play under him.
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Speaking on the eve of the second ODI against England here in Cuttack, Rahul said, "It is about how he (Kohli) has set examples for us. He has gone out there and done the job for the team so many times."
"We look up to him and we see how he builds his innings, the kind of energy, enthusiasm and the passion he has on the field. It spreads on all of us. We learn a lot from him."
"It's just been one game for now but for the guys who are part of the Test teams know how aggressive he is as a captain. We love playing under Virat. He always supported me and the other boys. It's good to have a young leader and also to have MS (Dhoni) in the team, who not only guides Virat as a skipper but also the youngsters. It's good to have both of them in the team," he added.
Under Kohli's leadership, India have won 14 of the 22 Test matches and have enjoyed their longest-ever unbeaten streak of 18 matches.
The 24-year-old opener from Karnataka further said that Kohli is someone, who doesn't just look for great performances at the individual level but wants to take the team along.
"He is always showing us the way; he is always sharing his experience and giving us feedback, telling us what he thinks we could have done better. That is the sign of a great leader," he said.
When asked about the stiff competition to get a place in the playing XI, Rahul asserted that competition keeps them motivated.
"The competition keeps us going and motivated. We know there are other guys who are capable enough. That's what wakes me up in the morning and train harder every day, turn up at the practice every day and work harder," he said.
"There are able and talented guys waiting in the bench to take my place. It's a good place to be in. We love the competition in the team. We take it in a positive way and try to remain focused and disciplined on our work ethics."
England pacer Jake Ball has warned that he might treat Kohli with some short stuff in the second ODI at the Barabati Stadium.
Responding to that, the Indian opener said, "Good luck to them."
"He (Kohli) has so many runs under his belt. Lot of runs came off short bowling. Not all of us worry about short balls. We like to make runs off short delivers. Knowing him and having watched him score so many centuries, I don't think it will be a problem," said Rahul.
Against England on Sunday, the 28-year-old Indian skipper again led the way with his 27th ODI ton, and 17th in chase, as the hosts overhauled England's huge total of 350/7 at the MCA Stadium in Pune to go 1-0 up in three-match series.
